It’s hard to imagine that Sony would spend the last two to three months creating the next Firmware “update,” only to release one that doesn’t update anything at all, but downgrades. However, that’s exactly what Sony has done with Firmware Update 3.21. While some (us included) feel that this is just some cruel April Fool’s joke, it goes without saying that if it is a legitimate update, Sony is going to be facing quite the backlash — especially from those who have no clue to backup their data prior to updating the console.
Firmware 3.21 will remove the “Other OS” functionality from all consoles and those individuals who choose not to update, will pretty much eliminate most features that their PS3′s are capable of.
We’ve included a list below of the changes and you can expect this update on April 1st.
- Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat
- Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later
- Playback of copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings)
- Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later
I’ll have to let my friend know about this but I’m sure he already does. For some reason, he’s crazy about using Linux on his PS3 and will probably buy a 360 and a second Wii because of this news. Personally I couldn’t care less about this update.
“Sony is going to be facing quite the backlash — especially from those who have no clue to backup their data prior to updating the console.”
If they knew how to install and use Linux, it’s a fair bet they’re savvy enough to back up their data, no?
I never used it on my 60GB PS3, and it was never possible on the Slim anyway. No great loss. Any old PC should run Linux, so it’s no great loss. If it makes the PS3 more secure against pirates and such, I’m all for it.
@Paranoimia
Sony has stated that if you update the console without backing it up first, you’ll lose all of your data from the Other OS side of your partition. This is something that has never happened before in a previous update.
How will Linux users who aren’t familiar with the update features going to know that this update is going to wipe their partition clean with no chance of saving it?
This all comes from the Hypervisor hacks and recent cheating online that has been traced back to the “Other OS” feature. Sony gave us an inch, and we took a mile. Now we are grounded, lol.
So I need to backup my data”?
APRIL FOOLS !
bit unfair to people who use it but never considered installing linux so doesnt effect me
I’ve been thinking and this could very well be a “double edged sword”: Sony says it will actually remove a feature prior to april’s fool to see everyone’s reaction. If they see backlash they might say “hey, april’s fool” but if they don’t the say “go ahead as planned” or something like that.
Agggh, it makes me wanna break something (wait, where did I hear that line?).
I think this is a definite loss for the schools and scientific community that has been networking PS3′s together using Linux to create low cost supercomputers. It’s a shame that Sony’s solution to the system getting hacked in January is to remove a wonderful feature like that. But Sony has proven many times that they like Microsoft don’t really listen to what their customers want and they just do what they want
Is this a response to George Hotz?
So… Linux is completely out of the question? Downgrading will be ok for me, As long as it doesn’t affect any gaming time then I’m absolutely fine with it, I bought a Ps3 specifically for games, anything else is just extra.
OMFG!…Sony you better be joking. I was now gonna see what Linux has to offer me through my PS3!
Damn,…Oh well. I guess I’ll just start to hate SONY from now on until I see FFVII remake…..
Backing data up? If I lose my FF13 data I swear my PS3 is taking a nice flight out the window lol.
..l. -_- ..l SONY
Hey guys. notice how its releasing on APRIL 1…. remember what that day is? Oh yeah, april fools.
My main concern is that I bought my PS3 at FULL PRICE AND MORE (That’s almost 800 dollars where I’m from, 2 years ago) and now they are telling me that I’m actually losing features from my system?. I think that’s just BS.
If this is true, I will be selling my PS3, and buying a XBOX 360. Better for me, I will get the Stimulus Package of Modern Warfare 2 faster. It better be a joke or something…..
I made the mistake of upgradeing and now I cant play most of the shows on my server. This really sucks. It does not even see them now.
and what about the consoles which already has linux installed, like mine. Got to admit i am ok with feature being taken off due to security reasons. Damn Geohot
this is pretty ghetto :\
quite a few people bought the PS3 because of the OS feature….as i hope they put out a more advanced OS feature thingy in the coming firmwares…..all i want is zerogame’s emulator you feels?
ahh well, there are ways of bypassing the update and still be able to get on PSN so it shouldnt be too bad